Thursday, April 10, 2014

Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Summary (from
Goodreads):

Sophronias first year at Mademoiselle Geraldines Finishing
Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing. For one thing,
finishing school is training her to be a spy. Now, as she sneaks around the
dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers quarters and making clandestine
climbs to the ships boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a school
trip to London than is at first apparent. A conspiracy is afoot, one with dire
implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her
training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot and survive the London
Season with a full dance card.

Review:

I loved the first book, which had me laughing out loud, to
an embarrassing degree. I was so excited to know that the sequel was already
out. I can always use a good laugh.

This one, sadly, wasn’t quite as funny as the first. It only
had me laughing out loud once toward the end during one of those absolutely
absurd British humor type, utter chaos moments. This book in the series definitely
focused more on the plot than on the humor. It was all about fights with best
friends, love triangles, kidnapping missions, balls, vampire and Picklemen
politics, espionage lessons, evil geniuses, cross dressing, and mysterious
code.

I love that this author can throw a million different
elements into her plot, and never make you feel like it’s too much. I also love
how much smarter the main character is becoming. Sophronia still has a lot to
learn in regards to boys, black mail, and her future. However, as she learns,
she becomes increasingly more aware of the world (and sky) around her. I love
that she’s never quick to dismiss a character or group of people, even when
they disappoint her. She thinks almost everything through and is willing to own
up when she is wrong.

I also loved learning more about the crazy world Sophronia
is in. A lot was learned about vampires in this book. Also, there were snidbits
about werewolves. There were more insane inventions, more steam punk machines,
more spying on teachers, more dancing, and more fun. Despite the book’s
decrease in humor, I actually enjoyed it even more than the first book. I
really got to know more of the side characters I love. And I really go to see
more into this world. Plus, the whole thing at the end with the vampires and
the kidnapping was crazy awesome!

I can’t wait to pick up book three. I know it will be a giant
feast of all supernatural elements, and I know there will be even more
mysteries and spying missions to come. I can’t wait to see where things resolve
with Sophronia and the boys in her life. I also am interested in seeing what
path the girl will take. I highly recommend this series to fans of Poison by Bridget Zinn and Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. I give it a
10/10. I just loved it.